UFC 153 Update: Belcher Injured, Prado vs. Davis Rematch Targeted

Many wondered what would happen to Vitor Belfort’s UFC 153 opponent, Alan Belcher, after the Brazilian was given a shot at the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 152. Belcher revealed Friday, via twitter, that it was a blessing in disguise for him as he has suffered a fractured vertebrae and would need to be out until November anyways. In his place, MMAJunkie is reporting that Phil Davis will face Wagner Prado at UFC 153.

Belcher issued a second challenge to fellow middleweight Chris Weidman in follow-up tweet for his November return. Belcher tweeted:

“Everyone’s asking if I am mad at @Ufc @jonnybones @vitorbelfort answer is no. this is a blessing in disguise. I have a spinal fracture.” Belcher continued, “With that being said and with much respect I’d like @Chrisweidmanufc or another top 5 on my return in November. Thx for all the support.”

Stepping into Belcher’s slot will be a light heavyweight rematch between Phil Davis and Wagner Prado. The two were originally supposed to face each other again at UFC on FX 5 but Belcher’s injury has paved the way for the fight to end up in Rio Di Janeiro. The two’s first bout was ended by an accidental eye-poke by Davis at UFC on Fox 4.

UFC 153 takes place October 13 at the HSBC Arena. The bout will be headlined by a featherweight title fight between the champion Jose Aldo and Erik Koch. The fight card will also feature a light heavyweight match up between Glover Teixeira and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, as well as the TUF Brazil champions in their first respective fights since winning at UFC 147.